GeorgeWashingtonArt - Music Project

The Music Project was formed between the collaboration of Ms. Colley the choir teacher at GW, and myself. The purpose of this project was for our students to learn the connection between music and art. We wanted our students to learn about dynamics, rhythm, flow, composition, and color. Ms. Colley's students worked on mood and dynamics when performing. My students created paintings from select pieces of music that moved them. Before I knew it, this project became a hit. We talked about how music stirs up the soul, brings peace or pain, motivates, and transforms us. I wanted them to explore the images that come to mind when listening to songs that do just that: stir up the soul. This project became so popular that students who weren't even enrolled in my classes requested to come in and paint!

My initial introduction was to demonstrate how to paint while listening to music. I talked about choosing colors, what emotions might arise, and compositional faux pas. I had my paper ready to go, and since I adore musical theatre, I chose a song that I didn't think most would ever hear of: "Now" by Scott Alan. Below is my painting after reworking several times, and just to give you a taste of the song, I've attached a YouTube video of Jonathan Groff (favorite singer) singing "Now."

Teacher Example

Video of Students Creating their Pieces:

Click here for Ms. Colley's Students

Below are pieces created by various students.

Made by Senior Ken Wyles: Song Little Pills by Kabosh

This piece was made by a student who is not enrolled in my class. She loved what was going on and wanted to make a piece. This is based off of the song "Apologize" by Timbaland-One Republic.
See YouTube video below for video.